Obituaries

James ‘Jim’ Pfeil

December 17, 2012

ARMSTRONG - Memorial services for James "Jim" Pfeil, 87, of Armstrong will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, at United Methodist Church in Armstrong with Pastor Ray Sherwood officiating.

He died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, at Valley Vue Care Center in Armstrong.

James Henry Pfeil was born Feb. 7, 1925, to Walter and Laura (Ayars) Pfeil in Worthington, Minn.

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James ‘Jim’ Pfeil

He graduated from Worthington High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army and as a member of the greatest generation, he served with the 28th Division, 110th Infantry in the European Theater and was awarded the Bronze Star. He married Ruth Anderson of Worthington on Sept. 20, 1945, in Worthington.

They moved to Owatonna, Minn. and worked in the variety store business. In 1950 they bought the variety store in Armstrong and moved there with children, Doug and Janna. Later, Heidi was born, and they owned additional Pfeil Variety stores in Swea City and Forest City. They were also part owners of the Roxy Theater in Armstrong. After selling the stores, Jim and Ruth owned the 9 Inn Restaurant, and he was an Arts Way sales representative for many years, and rural carrier, retiring in 1991.

Jim was a champion of the community. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church as well as a charter member of Kiwanis where he served as Lt. Governor of the Minnesota/Iowa District. He was also a founding member of the Armstrong ABC Club. Other activities include the Armstrong School Board, Shriners, Masons, Humane Society Board, Good Will Ambassador, Life member of the VFW, American Legion, Valley View Care Review Committee and Republican Party. In recognition of his many volunteer activities, he was honored by receiving a Volunteer of the Year award from Governor Vilsack in 1999. In 2002 he was honored as Armstrong Citizen of the Year.

Jim is survived by Ruth, his wife of 67 years, and his children, Doug of Armstrong and his children Aaron of Anchorage, Alaska, and Amber (Karl) Koster, of Grand Portage, Minn.; daughter, Janna (Bruce) Christensen, of Bozeman, Mont. and their children, Anna (Brett) Safranski, Sara (Ryan) Tysdal, and Erik; daughter, Heidi (Michael) Dougherty, of Bozeman, and children, Elizabeth (Eric) Gilje and Colin (Kelsie) Dougherty. He also has eight great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death, were his parents, three sisters and two brothers. He will be sorely missed by many good friends and family and always remembered for his sense of humor and generous heart!